Chinese Herbal Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This formula provides herbal support for indigestion and a variety of gastric complaints. Specifically, bloating, gas (without a very strong odor), stress-induced diarrhea, tenesmus (sense of incomplete bowel movements), IBS, fatigue, and a lack of appetite due to the sense that your tummy is always full. Other functions of this formula can apply to certain abdominal complaints that arise from the menstruation such as bloating, gas, gastrointestinal upset and even breast tenderness. It can also have a positive effect on the moodiness and cramps of PMS, though that is sort of a secondary effect. The primary focus of this formula is in the digestive tract.
Comparing the three digestive formulas:
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DF #1: Focuses on heartburn and/or ulcers. Usually stress induced or aggravated.
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DF #2: Focuses on diarrhea or mucus lined stools. Usually stress induced or aggravated. This formula is best for calming the spirit in general and can be applied to PMS and other moody disorders.
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DF #3: Focuses on the stomach and abdomen for bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting and belching. This is the more traditional indigestion and isn't necessarily induced or aggravated by stress.
The ingredients are all extract powders from Taiwan where the factories are supervised by Australian herbal manufacturing practices that exceed the USA's requirements for purity and cleanliness. Bottle includes 200 capsules (500 mg. each) which is enough to treat symptoms for one month for most individuals. Heavier patients (say, over 170 pounds) may need a higher dosage. Patients under 120 pounds may take less and so this bottle will last longer than a month.
Herbs arrive in capsules. Formula is based on traditional functions of herbs according to Chinese medical theory as well as modern medical research. These formulas were created by a UCLA/Caltech professor/MD in conjunction with Chinese trained doctor of Oriental medicine. Between the two, they created some enormously effective herb formulas that make use of the best of both worlds. The actual ingredients come from Evergreen herbs (City of Industry, California) who imports their extract powders from Taiwanese factories that all maintain the required Australian GMP (good manufacturing process).
Because of the Chai Hu in this formula, it is not recommended for those taking Interferon therapy for Hepatitis. Contains no salt, sugar, starch, yeast, wheat, corn, mild, or preservatives. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
INGREDIENTS
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 9 g
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi rotundi) 9 g
Yu Jin (Tuber Curcumae) 9 g
Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae lappae) 9 g
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 9 g
Qing Pi (Rericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) 9 g
Fu Ling (Poriae cocos) 9 g
Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) 5 g
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 5 g
- Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
- Natural distribution:
- Northern China, northern Europe
- Parts used:
- Root
- Nature:
- Bitter; neutral
- Affinity:
- Pericardium, liver, triple-burner, gallbladder
- Effects:
- Antipyretic; sedative to liver, anti-inflammatory
- Indications:
- Intermittent fevers and chills; chills/fever accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, flank pain, irritability, abdominal bloating, nausea and indigestion
- Remarks:
- The root contains bupleurumol and the saponins: saikoside Ia, Ib, and II. The herb has a marked antipyretic effect, exhibiting an inhibitiory effect on the body’s temperature. It has been used as an antibacterial agent, in addition to treatment of acute pancreatitis, gastritis, acute and cholecystitis. It has sedative, analgesic and antitussive actions. It has also been used as an antibacterial and antimalarial agent. In tests of anti-inflammatory actions, radix bupleuri was found to block the increase in capillary permeability induced by histamine and serotonin. Specific factors within the root have been found to stimulate croticotropin-releasing factor from the hypothalamus, ACTH secretion and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland. Other components (saikosaponin D) have been found to extert an immunoregulatory effect on thymocytes and on interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 production. Note: Because of the Chai Hu in this formula, it is not recommended for those taking Interferon therapy for Hepatitis.
- Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi rotundi)
- Natural distribution:
- Asia, Australia, America, Europe
- Parts used:
- Roots and tubercles
- Nature:
- Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet; neutral
- Affinity:
- Liver, pericardium
- Effects:
- Regulates liver energy; emmenagogue; sedative; analgesic
- Indications:
- Liver energy stagnation; oppression in chest and pain in ribcage, stomach ache, dyspepsia; ammenorrhea; dysmenorrhea
- Remarks:
- The dried tuber consists of an essential oil whose major components are a- and b-cyperol. The herb has been shown to stimulate gastric secretion and increase the motility of the stomach. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect. The herb has been described as a “smoothing” agent for the liver, a “regulation” agent for the circulation of qi, and as an agent for pain relief.
- Yu Jin (Tuber Curcumae)
- Natural distribution:
- Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Yunnan, Taiwan
- Parts used:
- tuberous root
- Nature:
- Acrid, bitter and cool
- Affinity:
- Heart, lung and liver
- Effects:
- Invigorates blood, breaks up static blood; promotes qi movement; benefits gallbladder
- Indications:
- Constrained Liver qi resulting in chest, abdominal and flank pain; obstruction resulting in anxiety and agitation
- Remarks:
- The herb, a spice used worldwide, is a multifunctional agent. The essential oil has been found to stimulate contractions of the gallbladder and increase the secretion of bile. In addition, the herb can stimulate the volume and output of pancreatic exocrine secretions.
- Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae lappae)
- Natural distribution:
- Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet
- Parts used:
- root
- Nature:
- Acrid, bitter and warm
- Affinity:
- Gallbladder, large intestine, spleen and stomach
- Effects:
- Promote and regulate movement of energy; relieve pain; strengthens spleen; lowers blood pressure; antibacterial; antiviral
- Indications:
- Stagnant stomach/spleen/liver/gallbladder qi resulting in lack of appetite, epigastic/abdominal pain and distention; nausea; vomiting; soreness
- Remarks:
- Reported action as an antispasmodic and in the treatment of abdominal distension.
- Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
- Natural distribution:
- Southeastern China, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Parts used:
- Rind of the fruit
- Nature:
- Pungent and bitter; warm
- Affinity:
- Spleen, lungs
- Effects:
- Regulates energy; digestive; increases gastric secretion and peristalsis; used as antiemetic; to dispel abdominal distension; anti-hiccough
- Indications:
- Spleen/Stomach stagnant qi patterns; epigastric/abdominal distension, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting
- Remarks:
- The extract of the pericarp has potent anti-oxidative activity. In addition, extracts have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of murine myeloid leukemic cell clones. The pericarp (rind) contains Vitamins A, B and C.
- Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae viride)
- Natural distribution:
- Guangdong, Fujian, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Yunnan
- Parts used:
- Rind of the fruit
- Nature:
- Bitter; acrid; warm
- Affinity:
- Gallbladder, Liver, Stomach
- Effects:
- Spreads Liver energy; reduces stagnation; dries dampness
- Indications:
- Stagnant qi; symptoms of distension; pain in chest, breast, and hypochrondriac region; for food stagnations/accumulation manifesting as pain; stifling sensation in epigastrum
- Fu Ling (Poriae cocos)
- Natural distribution:
- Common world-wide
- Parts used:
- Dried sclerotium of the fungal body
- Nature:
- Sweet; neutral
- Affinity:
- Heart, lungs, spleen, stomach, kidneys
- Effects:
- Diuretic; stomachic; digestive, sedative
- Indications:
- Difficult urination; swelling; oppression in abdomen; lack of appetite; diarrhea; excess phlegm; coughing; insomnia; nervousness; heart palpitations
- Remarks:
- Fu Ling contains several organic acids. It has been shown effective for its tranquilizing effect. It also lowers blood sugar levels, and acts as a diuretic. As an antibacterial and an antiviral agent, it increases the immune response of the body.
- Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi)
- Natural distribution:
- Southern China, Indochina
- Parts used:
- Seeds
- Nature:
- Pungent; warm
- Affinity:
- spleen, stomach, kidneys
- Effects:
- Drying; stomachic; digestive; carminative; decongestant; sedative to restless fetus
- Indications:
- Damp excess in spleen and stomach; oppression in chest and abdomen, diarrhea, dyspepsia; nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; restless fetus
- Remarks:
- Suggested effects are an arrest of diarrhea.
- Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
- Natural distribution:
- Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Korea
- Parts used:
- root
- Nature:
- Sweet and warm, slightly bitter
- Affinity:
- Lung and spleen
- Effects:
- “Reinforce” energy; strengthen spleen; generate fluids; stop thirst
- Indications:
- lethargy; lack of appetite; chest/abdominal distention
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